DBT Skills Training Classes
These skill training classes are designed to teach concrete skills used in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help us Accept situations in our lives, even though we may not have caused the situation; and to help us to effectively Change how we respond and react to the situations. In DBT Skills Training Class you will learn Acceptance Skills such as Mindfulness and Distress Tolerance Skills; and Change Skills such as Emotion Regulation and Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills.
Mindfulness Skills Training Class (Acceptance skills) will teach you how to consciously focus your mind in the present moment without attachment to the moment. You will learn:
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The benefits of practicing mindfulness
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How mindfulness is used to reduce suffering, increase happiness and experience reality as it is
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The three set of skills that form the backbone of mindfulness practice: wise mind; the "what" skills of observing, describing, and participating; and the "how" skills practicing nonjudgmentally, one-mindfully and effectively
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The three states of mind: Emotion mind, Wise mind and Reasonable mind
Distress Tolerance Skills Training Class (Acceptance skills) will give you the tools to effectively endure a stressful situation without making it worse. You will learn:
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Ways to survive a stressful situation without making it worse
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Effective crisis skills and when to use them
Emotion Regulation Skills Training Class (Change skills) will teach you the ability to control or influence which emotions you have, when you have them and how you express and experience them. You will learn:
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To identify, label and understand 10 primary emotions
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Effective skills to control (or regulate) your emotions
Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills Training Class (Change skills) will teach you how to communicate effectively and cope with conflict while maintaining relationships and your self-respect. You will learn:
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How to identify, label and describe what is getting in the way of you communicating effectively
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How to clarify and prioritize what you want to achieve in interpersonal situations
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Effective skills in being able to get what you want, effective skills in maintaining the relationship (i.e. a work relationship, a family relationship, a social relationship, etc.), and effective skills in keeping your self respect
Frequently Asked Questions about DBT Skills Training Classes
Do I have to have a mental health diagnosis or substance use disorder to participate in skills training classes?
Good question! DBT was created by Marsha Linehan for individuals that struggled with mental illness like Borderline Personality Disorder. Research later supports the efficacy of DBT for individuals with a substance use disorder. I have found the skills taught in DBT is effective for most people to have.
DBT is all about Acceptance and Change. Often times, we are faced with situations or circumstances that we did not create. DBT skills are helpful in turning our minds to accepting reality as it is, and teaches us effective ways in changing how we approach the event.
In this skills training only class, a mental health diagnosis or substance use disorder is NOT required. However, some personal background and social history information is required from you and about you prior to participating in the skills only training classes offered by Dialectical Counseling & Consulting. The information you provide, will be confidential between you and Dialectical Counseling & Consulting and will not be shared with ANYONE without your written consent to do so.
What if I have a mental health diagnosis and/or a substance use disorder, can I take the skill training classes offered by Dialectical Counseling & Consulting?
If you have a mental health diagnosis and/or substance use disorder and you were recommended to participate in full model DBT treatment, then call me so that we can discuss your situation individually; each person's journey is different.
I am in senior management level of the company I work; I think the skills taught in DBT will be helpful for me to use in the work place. Could I and my colleagues take the skill training classes offered by Dialectical Counseling & Consulting?
Yes! The skill training classes offered at Dialectical Counseling & Consulting is not a therapy processing group. Think of this skills training class as a training class- you will have a workbook, taking notes and a trained facilitator teaching the material. Just like in a class.
I have a therapist I am working with for individual therapy and it has been recommended that I take a DBT Skills training class. Can I take the skill training classes offered by Dialectical Counseling & Consulting?
Yes. If you are receiving therapy, we ask that you consider signing a consent to release and exchange information that will allow Dialectical Counseling & Consulting to communicate with your therapist. That way, your therapist will be aware of the new skills you are learning which can be incorporated in your individual therapy sessions.
I don't have a therapist, could I receive individual therapy with Dialectical Counseling & Consulting?
We are currently accepting new clients. If you are interested in individual therapy, simply give us a call to discuss your needs.
I am a licensed clinician, I am not trained in DBT but I would like to learn more about the skills taught. Can I participate in the skills training classes offered by Dialectical Counseling & Consulting?
Yes, you can! You will be treated like the other participants, background information and social history will be required like the other participants and your participation will not be shared with anyone without your written consent to do so. Please be advised, continuing education credits are not offered and you will not be able to identify yourself as a DBT trained clinician. You can incorporate some of the skills taught into your therapeutic approach if you clinically choose to.
